After enduring a series of injuries and illnesses that hampered the early years of his career, Zach Reid is finally injury-free and making significant strides in the AFL. The Essendon defender, who was plagued by a string of setbacks, is now seizing the opportunity to prove his worth on the field.
Reid’s journey in the AFL has been far from smooth. His actual debut came in 2021 against Brisbane, but he faced two more pseudo debuts against Hawthorn in subsequent years, each following lengthy injury-induced absences. “Each one I’ve been so nervous it’s felt like a first game every time,” Reid shared with AFL.com.au.
Overcoming Early Career Challenges
Reid’s initial debut was marked by adversity. Playing against the Brisbane Lions at a rain-soaked Gabba, Reid was determined to make his mark despite feeling unwell. “I had what I thought was a cold, but I had been picked for my first game so I thought ‘I’m not pulling out here’. We flew up there and it was torrential rain and got through the game, but that week went downhill badly,” he recounted.
His condition worsened, leading to a diagnosis of glandular fever, which left him bedridden for weeks. This was just the beginning of a series of health challenges, including a stress fracture in his back, which required extensive rehabilitation. “It was in the exact same spot. I’d just done a big, six-month rehab and I felt good. Then to have a recurrence, in the moment it feels like you’ve wasted six months of your career,” Reid reflected.
The Road to Recovery
Reid’s resilience was tested as he navigated through repeated injuries. His journey involved learning about his body’s limitations and finding ways to strengthen it. “I always say you have to get through that hard part of the first five weeks after an injury and once your body is used to it you’ll be fine,” he explained.
Despite the setbacks, Reid never considered giving up. Instead, he focused on building resilience and finding interests outside of football to maintain his mental health. “As I got older and had more injuries, I realised I had to jump off that rollercoaster and find some stuff I like doing outside of footy,” he said.
Support and New Beginnings
Reid credits his family for their unwavering support during his toughest times. His parents and brothers have been a constant source of encouragement, helping him stay focused on his goals. “That’s just not in me to do that. I was always going to keep backing up and my parents helped me with that,” Reid noted.
In a bid to overcome his injury woes, Reid and teammate Jordan Ridley traveled to Qatar to the renowned Aspetar orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital. This experience provided them with valuable insights into their bodies, helping them return stronger and more informed.
Building a Promising Future
With a renewed sense of confidence, Reid is now making significant contributions to Essendon’s backline. His recent performances have been impressive, including a standout game against the Demons where he gathered a career-best 21 disposals. “It’s the best continuity I’ve had for a while and it’s been good to have been playing so consistently,” he said.
Reid’s journey has been one of perseverance and determination. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about his future in the AFL. “I’m still 23, I’ve got a lot of future in me, so I’m excited for that. I’ve moved on and accepted what’s happened in the last four years but I’m keen to get after it,” he concluded.
The upcoming match against West Coast will be particularly special for Reid as he faces his younger brother Archer on the field for the first time. This milestone is a testament to Reid’s resilience and determination to overcome adversity and make his mark in the AFL.
